DIY Cree Rocklights

[slosurfer]

When I get to a project like this, I was planning on useing what I have in the garage. Surfboard Resin

[Robinhood4x4]

For better heat transfer I used heat conducting paste underneath the star and just poured the clear epoxy over the whole thing. One thing I learned in the semiconductor world is that it is very difficult to get good heat conduction from one part to another. Epoxies aren't the best thing to use for that job.

Now that I've had my LEDs for a while now, I've noticed the epoxy is turning slightly yellow with age. They're not in the sun very much so that's not it.

[Cebby]

What could be used that won't yellow? Machine the "lens" out of thick plexi?

[slosurfer]

Most surfboard resin won't yellow unless it's directly in UV rays which your rock lights won't. I think they may even have some that stand up to UV rays.

[CJM]

Ya know making them is nice, but buying it predone and for outdoor use is nice too http://www.oznium.com/marine-led-light

Not exactly the same, but close and no work!

Course there is this too: http://www.oznium.com/waterproof-marine-leds


btw i highly recommend these switches. I have 2 of them and Im VERY happy. Solid built and decently bright when on. http://www.oznium.com/gsw-45-led

I been thinking of doing an underhood light with a pin switch on my truck only b/c toyotas dont have them

[oly884]

Ya know making them is nice, but buying it predone and for outdoor use is nice too http://www.oznium.com/marine-led-light

Not exactly the same, but close and no work!

Course there is this too: http://www.oznium.com/waterproof-marine-leds


btw i highly recommend these switches. I have 2 of them and Im VERY happy. Solid built and decently bright when on. http://www.oznium.com/gsw-45-led

I been thinking of doing an underhood light with a pin switch on my truck only b/c toyotas dont have them

Awesome, I do find it funny/interesting that shipping on EVERY item is 4.20

(in HS i had plenty of pot head friends, hence the reason I notice)

[CJM]

Heheh...

I really liked the service I got from that place, I have 2 of the switches i mentioned (which might i add fit the factory cut outs!!!)and a door pin switch that is so so but arrived broke. They replaced it for free period.

Shipping was also super quick, i think i had it in less than a week if not 3-4 days.

[4x4mike]

For better heat transfer I used heat conducting paste underneath the star and just poured the clear epoxy over the whole thing. One thing I learned in the semiconductor world is that it is very difficult to get good heat conduction from one part to another. Epoxies aren't the best thing to use for that job.

Now that I've had my LEDs for a while now, I've noticed the epoxy is turning slightly yellow with age. They're not in the sun very much so that's not it.

I've used the paste and have chosen to dislike it. It's messier than hell and I have found that JB weld will still transfer the heat to the copper. How much? I don't know. More than the artic silver I was using? Not sure.

I soldered the wires in so I could get some epoxy laid before bed. After that I wired them together to make sure they were working properly before I laid in the epoxy.








They are pretty bright. All the pictures were taken with my Sony point and shoot set at auto with no flash.
Epoxy.


I let them run for about 15 minutes and got to thinking how warm they were getting.
Cardboard on the work bench.


Side of the copper cup. Not the back or at the emitter.

Heat sinking and JB weld are working.

[4x4mike]

Ya know making them is nice, but buying it predone and for outdoor use is nice too http://www.oznium.com/marine-led-light

Not exactly the same, but close and no work!

Course there is this too: http://www.oznium.com/waterproof-marine-leds


btw i highly recommend these switches. I have 2 of them and Im VERY happy. Solid built and decently bright when on. http://www.oznium.com/gsw-45-led

I been thinking of doing an underhood light with a pin switch on my truck only b/c toyotas dont have them

The output of those led's is about half of what I'm using. Plus you have to regulate them. Other than that they are pretty slick and clean looking. Their regulators are spendy
http://www.oznium.com/led-controllers
You could make one but you're not really sure what kind of leds they are so you don't know what to regulate them at.

I already have the switches mounted and wired to power.

[troyboy162]

how many watts are those cree's? i just got a flashlight with a cree led so im really intrigued with how much light you must be getting from these things